Church steeple still stands in Madison after fire

(MADISON, Ind.) --- The Madison community is coming together after a devastating fire at a downtown church on Monday night.

Trinity United Methodist Church caught fire around 7:30 p.m. and smoke blanketed the downtown area. 

The church has been located at the corner of Main and Broadway streets since 1873.

While a part of the roof collapsed, the steeple is still standing this morning, and that's due to the efficient response by firefighters.

Madison resident Jessie Melton-Watson saw the fire and pulled out her phone to record it. 

"It is black in downtown Madison right now from all the smoke. I don't think there is any way they can save the church," she said. 

She shared video of the partial roof collapse and also said that a firefighter told her it began by an electric golf cart that exploded. 

The tourism agency in town also posted about the fire. 

“This historic landmark has been part of our story for generations, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted, including the congregation, neighbors, and first responders working at the scene,” stated Visit Madison, Indiana on Facebook. 

They added, “Tonight, our community is heartbroken by the fire at Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Madison.” 

This is a developing story and we will provide updates when made available.

Visit Madison shared this late Monday night: